Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: Crystal Dynamics

Tomb Raider fans looking to go whole hog for the upcoming reboot will soon be able to grab a limited edition controller for 360. The wireless controller, revealed at CES 2013, was developed in collaboration with artists from Crystal Dynamics and is based around Lara’s climbing axe and tourniquets. As with the limited edition all-silver controller, the Tomb Raider version will also feature an adjustable directional pad that alternates between the plus design and more traditional disc pattern. Each unit will also come with a download token for the exclusive playable character Scavenger Archer.

Square Enix has announced a Collector’s Edition for the 360 and PS3 versions of Crystal Dynamic’s upcoming Tomb Raider. Set to hit store shelves at the same time as the standard release, on March 5, the $99.99 set will include a Lara Croft figurine, double-sided map and poster, a lithographic print, and more. The entire package will come in a replica survival tin modeled after those found on board the in-game expedition ship Endurance.

Square Enix has announced the first stage in a multi-stage pre-order rollout program for Tomb Raider. Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop are participating, with each offering different incentives, from new environmental puzzles to an exclusive art book. The extras, detailed below, will be followed by two more bonus reveals in the coming months.

And the Gamescom goods continue. Square Enix has released a new batch of screenshots from Crystal Dynamic’s upcoming Tomb Raider reboot, the aptly titled Tomb Raider. The new screens show Lara keeping fletchers in business and discovering all sorts of things in the wilds, from religious statues to failed predecessors and lovely fauna (i.e., dinner).

Crystal Dynamics has grown by one today with the announcement that God of War alumnus Cory Barlog has joined the studio. Best known for his work with Kratos on God of War (director), God of War 2 (writer and director), Chains of Olympus (creative director), and Ghost of Sparta (story creator), Balrog joins Crystal Dynamics as developer continues to revamp the Tomb Raider franchise and begins work on an unannounced new title.